Leila
After graduating High School, I was so anxious to begin attending University for the social activities that it offered. However, after participating in and joining a sorority, unfortunately my grades began to suffer. I became so wrapped up in being "well liked" and less concerned with how the constant partying was affecting my grades. As a result of this my GPA suffered, and I have had to work extremely hard to get it to where it is today. If I could go back in time and speak to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself that starting out at a junior college or community college is not a bad thing. I would tell myself to not get involved with the negative behaviors that come with being a part of a large social organization. I would make sure to stress the importance of my education, and encourage myself to stop caring so much about what other people think about me; I would tell myself that as long as you work hard, you can succeed at anything you set your mind to.
Christopher
So Christopher, congratulations on graduating High School! It's been 13 years, what a wonderful accomplishment, we should go out to celebrate. But then, It's time to get back to work. There is no time like the present while your brain is still focused on the academics already learned to build on that. It would be easy to take a break, simply take what work can be found, never returning to school. Yet, that is not the road to wealth for most people. According to most studies people who hold a two year degree which can be obtained in 5 quarters earn an average of $400,000 more over their working careers. 15 months is a small investment to make now and gives a huge payoff over a lifetime. A 4 year degree makes even more difference doubling the earnings of the person holding only a diploma. There are other benefits including more self esteem and great networking possibilities. Many great business entrepreneurs have met their partners in college. Let me help you get started, the work world can wait a few more years, you will be glad you did later, I promise!
Molly
If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to enroll at the University I was accepted to and that my boyfriend wasn't going anywhere. As a result of worrying about losing my boyfriend, who is now my husband, I wasn't able to finish my AA until I was 25 and then finally get to start school just to finish my degree to become a nurse until I was 27. Now that I am married, own a home and have two children under the age of two, I understand that it would have been much easier on me and my family if I had finished my degree when I was younger and had less responsibilities. I would also tell myself that this is a time to focus on how the decisions I make at 18 are going to affect the rest of my life and that it is okay to live in the 'here and now' every once in a while, but it is more important to put everything I have into acheiving my goals now than having to worry about it after having a family.